Whatever the evolutionary basis of religion, the xenophobia it now generates is clearly maladaptive.

The real thing that physics tell us about the universe is that it's big, rare event happens all the time — including life — and that doesn't mean it's special.

The universe is the way it is, whether we like it or not.

If we wish to draw philosophical conclusions about our own existence, our significance, and the significance of the universe itself, our conclusions should be based on empirical knowledge. A truly open mind means forcing our imaginations to conform to the evidence of reality, and not vice versa, whether or not we like the implications.

What people believe impacts on what they do. And it's not as if religion is universally bad. Of course it's responsible for many peoples doing good actions.

Celebrate our brief moment in the sun

In 5 billion years, the expansion of the universe will have progressed to the point where all other galaxies will have receded beyond detection.